One of the Twelve Characters

Empath

'I understand you'

Empath resides in the Domain of Others and the Dimension of Understanding.

Empath's key role is to holistically connect with others. It prioritises another over the self. It is the means of Understanding the world through the eyes of another. It allows you to, as the native American proverb says, 'never judge another until you have walked a mile in their moccasins.' In doing so, it provides diverse, meaningful, and insightful Understanding. It opens the opportunity to influence in a respectful and human way. It is the gateway Character to a mutually enhancing, dialogical engagement with others. Empath collaborates with the other three 'Domain of Others' Characters in the following ways:

Who is Empath?

It comprehends a situation from the perspective of the other, putting itself in 'another's shoes.' It is a whole person connection with recognition of another's realities as valid and real. It extends beyond the intellectual, it is also felt in the body and experienced as a sensation of the heart. When your Empath is active, you will be aware of how another is feeling on the inside. Empath relates to another's humanity, aware of vulnerabilities and flaws, as well as positive traits. Empath enables others to feel understood and thus is central to occupations such as counselling.

Empath is genuinely interested in people and is curious about what makes a person who they are. It has a core talent for both listening and deduction. Empath builds rapport with another person, gets on their wavelength, and connects to them. It knows what is happening on the inside as much as outward behaviour. Empath is non-judgmental. Not an easy position to take; to both suspend judgment, whilst listening to be influenced, with an open heart. Empath is a Character who first seeks to understand the other before intervening. Its leadership role is to enable a deeper appreciation of others and so facilitates more effective solutions to be co-created.

What does Empath do?

• Empath gives Storyteller the Understanding it needs to make a stronger impact on others.
• Empath gives Mentor the insight into the effect of its Ethical direction on others. It provides feedback that Mentor can use to help inform its interventions.
• Empath gives Navigator an awareness of where people are in their life journey. It allows Navigator to relate to others and better share their experience, ambition, and motivation.

Where Empath sits in the model

At the heart of the Understanding Dimension is the question: Who or what needs to be known?

The Domain of Others is the domain of relationships: how you behave with family, teams and the people you lead. It is where inner work becomes visible.

The other Characters in the Understanding Dimension are Inner Master and Oracle. The other Characters in the Domain of Others are Mentor, Navigator and Storyteller.

The Virtues Empath helps you build

Virtues emerge when Characters from different Dimensions combine. Because Empath works in the Understanding Dimension, it contributes to three of the six Leadership Virtues:

• Prudent, the Practitioner who is a Specialist in Understanding and Ethics.
• Wise, the Practitioner who is a Specialist in Understanding and Purpose.
• Social, the Practitioner who is a Specialist in Understanding and Communication.

Read about all six Leadership Virtues.